Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some years after telephone numbers were changed and the restructuring of the health service began the Health Service Executive website is still showing the old health boards (details supplied) and contact numbers which in at least one case have been out of date for three years; and if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the apparent reason for this is that HSE webmasters have been apparently instructed not to update websites; the action she is taking to encourage the HSE to get the simple things right; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37121/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The establishment of the HSE is one of the largest Public Service Reform Initiatives ever undertaken by the State and it will take time for all of the elements involved in such a complex undertaking to be finalised. I know, however, that the HSE is committed to actively involving consumers, amongst others, in service design, planning and delivery. I am confident that initiatives such as its National Information Line which provides information on a range of over 110 Health and Social Service topics, including medical cards, GP visit cards, Drugs Payment Schemes and Home Help services will enable the Public to access information and services quickly and efficiently.

Section 6 of the Health Act, 2004 states that the Health Service Executive is a corporate body. In view of this, the matter of internal procedures relating to the updating of websites and the provision of contact details is a matter for the HSE.

Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.